NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Lincoln Aviator Safety Ratings
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 30 recalls, and 96 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator secured an Average band rating on the NHTSA Safety Index with a score of 76 out of 100. While its crash-test results were strong, the vehicle's defect record, scoring 0 out of 20, and 29 recall campaigns significantly tempered its overall safety assessment.
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator ranks 95 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 30 |
| Owner complaints | 96 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 95 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
The 2020 model year is the launch year for the redesigned Aviator, which means no prior-year NHTSA Safety Index exists for a direct comparison. The 76 out of 100 Average score is therefore a baseline rather than a movement story. The Index breakdown reveals a split picture: crash protection earns 66 out of a possible 70, and avoidance technology earns a full 10 out of 10, reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. What suppresses the overall score entirely is the defect record component, which contributes 0 out of a possible 20 points. Twenty-nine recall campaigns is a notably high count for any single model year, and several of those campaigns were initiated years after the vehicle went on sale, meaning the recall accumulation was still growing well after launch. The seat belt anchor bolt recall and the dual back-over prevention software campaigns are among the most safety-relevant entries. The 5-star overall NHTSA crash score is a genuine strength for this year, but shoppers should weigh that result alongside the outsized recall footprint.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Lincoln Aviator perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator demonstrates strong performance in federal crash testing, achieving a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes top 5-star scores in both frontal and side impact evaluations. Its rollover protection rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with NHTSA estimating a 15 percent rollover risk. The Aviator did not tip in the dynamic rollover test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14934
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?
Yes, with 29 recall campaigns on file. Named components include the automatic transmission, second-row seat belt anchor bolts, windshield wiper motor, and rearview camera software appearing in multiple back-over prevention campaigns. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is identified in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY26V451000
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notif
Reported 2026-07-14
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION26V402000
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th
Reported 2026-06-24
SEAT BELTS26V159000
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-17
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR26V117000
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs
Reported 2026-03-03
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V123000
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-03
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY25V393000
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Reported 2025-06-13
STRUCTURE:BODY25V407000
Risk: Detached trim may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace C-pillar appliques and window division bars, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S66.
Reported 2025-06-13
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES25V338000
Risk: An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C18.
Reported 2025-05-23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY25V349000
Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Battery Energy Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S58.
Reported 2025-05-23
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V159000
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.
Reported 2025-03-14
SEAT BELTS25V093000
Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5
Reported 2025-02-14
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
Ninety-six unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 37 reports, followed by Unknown Or Other at 24, Back Over Prevention at 16, and Power Train at 15. One crash has been alleged. All are unverified consumer reports.
96 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
With 29 recall campaigns on record, many issued recently, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator demands a thorough VIN check against NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Confirming that every necessary remedy has been completed at a dealership is the single most important safety step for prospective owners of this model year.
- The 2020 Aviator's defect record component scores 0 out of 20 in the Safety Index, driven by 29 recall campaigns, the highest-impact factor pulling the score into the Average band despite excellent crash results.
- Two separate back-over prevention software recall campaigns affect this model year, making the rearview camera system a specific area to verify for remedy completion by VIN.
- A seat belt anchor bolt recall covering the second-row positions was issued for 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles, a structural safety concern that warrants immediate dealer verification on any used example.
- Reported owner allegations to NHTSA skew heavily toward the Electrical System, with 37 of 96 total unverified complaints naming that component, a pattern worth noting when inspecting a used unit.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Lincoln Aviator places
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Lincoln Aviator safety questions
Was the 2020 Lincoln Aviator crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Lincoln Aviator crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Lincoln Aviator earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Aviator have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 30 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 96 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Aviator years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14934), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Aviator 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 95 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.